While they are known for being loving, playful, and effective as guard dogs; Pitbulls are also known for their aggressive and even dangerous demeanor. Because of their prevalence and their mixed reputation, some cities and states have deemed it necessary to enact special laws and provisions about this breed.
These laws are usually made up of restrictions, like making things like microchipping and confinement rules mandatory for Pitbulls and other so-called fighting breeds, which also include bulldogs. The strictest of these laws apply outright bans on owning Pitbulls at all, like in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
In California, there are only two areas with enacted ordinances about Pitbulls, in Lancaster and San Francisco, and both deal with sterilization requirements. This means all Pitbulls are over 8 months must be spayed or neutered. This lack of legislation makes the state a relatively relaxed home for owners of the breed.
This is not to say that as a Pitbull owner you can let your guard down in California, or anywhere else for that matter. It’s still important to know about any local rules about your dog. There are often parks that have separate zones for Pitbulls and for all other breeds. It is a real responsibility, owning this kind of dog. In fact, lawmakers and critics of the breed do have statistics to back up their claims.
Pitbulls are listed as the most dangerous dog breed worldwide. They also clock in at number one on the list of the most reported for being involved in biting incidents. Interestingly enough, California enjoys its own notoriety when it comes to dog bites: it is the state with the highest instance of dog bites in the country.
This combination makes it especially important for Pitbull owners in California to follow basic guidelines for safety. The ASPCA maintains that Pitbulls themselves are not to blame and advocate for dedicated training. This includes behavioral education like socialization and teaching commands. But it can also include using a muzzle if there’s a likelihood of biting. Getting a microchip in your dog is another great way to decrease your overall liability. If your dog is missing, there’s more chance of a problem occurring.
Some areas demand that Pitbull owners provide special documentation, in order to demonstrate that they are financially responsible to own the breed. This is because of the increased risk associated with the dog. Although not required in California, it’s not a bad idea to think about covering yourself with insurance and thinking about what you would do in the event that there was a biting incident with your dog.
If you have been bit yourself, or have had a problem with your own dog and another person, the first thing to do is to contact an experienced lawyer. A police report will usually need to be filed as well. Make sure to take any photographs or witness statements that you think may be useful in the future.
With proper training, of both pet and owner, Pitbulls can be a wonderful part of the family. It is important, however, to be responsible and acknowledge the risk associated with the breed.
blogs
Five Apps Every Trucker Should Have
Driving a tractor trailer or any other large vehicle isn’t just about long hours, lots of miles and making sure you’re still driving safely after those lengthy days. It’s a lifestyle, and like any other connected lifestyle in the 21st century, there are plenty of apps to go around designed to help make a truck […]
Five Products for Increased Bicycle Safety
Bicycle accidents are unfortunately increasingly common in both California and Arizona, causing many to seek damages to compensate for their losses. Defensive driving and being aware of your surroundings are the best tools for safety, as is making sure your bicycle is properly maintained, making sure to wear a helmet, and obeying all street laws […]
Five Types of Truck Accidents
Trucks are paramount to our country’s economy. Over 15 million trucks move across the country, transporting consumer goods from one state to another every day. But despite their essential place in our society, trucks are pretty dangerous and pose a high risk to every road user. It pays to know the different types of accidents […]
Five Products for Truck Driver Safety
Truck drivers are the backbone of the economy, and their safety is of the utmost importance. Not only are they at special risk of trafficaccidents, but truck driving comes with a host of other dangers. The easiest way to stay safe while driving any vehicle is being aware of your surroundings and making sure your […]
Looking Out for Motorcycles
In 2019, the number of deaths caused by motorcycles was found to be 29 times that of deaths caused by cars. Motorcycles can go very fast, they have no sides to protect the rider, they are more difficult to see on the road and they do not perform well in bad weather. While it is […]
Five Safety Products for Motorcycle Riders
Approximately ten percent of motor vehicle deaths in the United States can be attributed to motorcycleaccidents. Safe riding and defensive driving are important to all motor vehicle operations, of course, but making sure you’re stocked up on the right equipment to make your ride as safe as possible is critical to avoiding accidents or, in […]
Ridesharing and Car Accidents
Ridesharing services like Uberpool and Lyft are a pretty popular way to get around. According to surveys, the ridesharing industry will reportedly have a market value of over $220 by 2025. However, this increasing popularity is no surprise, as ridesharing services are convenient and cheap. However, while convenient, ridesharing services are not all sunshine and […]
Common Causes of Car Accidents – and Ways to Avoid Them
Car accidents are an increasingly common source of injuries and loss of property and life. Every year, there are estimated to be over six million car accidents, in the US alone. We drive everywhere, and even short distances pose a hazard to drivers, as well as pedestrians and people on bicycles. The loss of property […]
Tesla’s Brilliance in the Automobile Industry
Tesla Incorporation, founded by Elon Musk, is taking over the automobile industry with its emphasis on sustainable energy by manufacturing high-end electric vehicles. The company is known for its manufacture of high-end vehicles that are designed for speed and endurance. Below are a few ways Tesla and their brilliance with Elon Musk set the auto […]
Great Motorcycle Roads in Arizona
There’s no freer way to see the great state of Arizona than to travel it by motorcycle. Being one of the last gateways to the West Coast, our streets are manifold, so your options are virtually endless. Whether you’re touring to see the mountains, the wildlife, the succulents or other plants, or just visit towns […]
contact form
